Most Recent Articles by
TINP Guest Writer
Budget
Trees Over Tarmac: Why Fairfax City Council Made the Right Call
The City Council recently made a tough, controversial decision to stop funding the George Snyder Trail. While some people see this as a step backward for recreation, I see it as a win for common sense, fiscal responsibility, and the environment.
Community
PROPOSED AMENDMENT for APRIL 2026 SPECIAL ELECTION IN CONTEXT
Last July, President Donald Trump ordered Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) to redistrict his state in the middle of the decade in order to carve out an additional five Republican-leaning congressional districts, which would bolster the party's odds of keeping control of the U. S. House of Representatives following the 2026 midterm elections. President Trump's demands for such gerrymandering correlate with his record low approval ratine and rising unpopularity of his signature legislation, the One Big Beautiful Bil.
America
Virginia – The Mother of Aviation
Susan Catherine (Koerner) Wright was born on April 30, 1831 in Hillsboro, Virginia and died on July 4, 1889 in Dayton, Ohio. Although she was not alive to watch her children change the world forever with their flight on the 17th of December 1903, she was fundamental in their achievements.
Budget
Affordable housing is a frequent rallying cry among our leaders
In Fairfax City, affordable housing is a frequent rallying cry among our leaders. Mayor Catherine Read has repeatedly emphasized its importance to the City’s vitality and long-term growth. She’s championed diversified housing types, supportive projects like Beacon Landing, and even sought legislative changes to help religious institutions build affordable units. Those are worthy goals — but they ring hollow if other City actions make living here increasingly unaffordable.
Opinion
The Neighborhood Renaissance Program – a Win-Win for Fairfax City
Fairfax City is a special place to live and prides itself on a long history of neighbors
helping neighbors. A great example of this is the Neighborhood Renaissance Program
administered by the Fairfax Renaissance Housing Corporation (FRHC). This creative program
adds incredible value to residents, neighborhoods and Fairfax City. It is essential that this
unique home improvement and neighborhood revitalization program be funded by the City
Council.
Development
Comment on Willard-Sherwood project
I was so excited to learn the details of the new Willard-Sherwood Health and Community Center at the Feb. 10 City Council meeting. When I was on the Green Acres Feasibility Study Committee in 2015, I never thought it would be possible to have a comprehensive community center at the Willard site on Blenheim Boulevard, which is near Old Town Fairfax, the public library, Van Dyck Park, the police station, three schools, and, most importantly, public transportation.
Community
Better Arguments Workshop Series
At a time when conversations too often turn into standoffs, many of us want to do better - but aren’t sure how. In response, I am hosting a free five-part Better Arguments workshop series.
City
The Path Forward is Clearer for the City (Op-Ed by Judy Fraser)
As the dust settles after the January 13 City Council vote that brought the long running George Snyder Trail controversy to a swift conclusion, it is hitting me what a long journey this has been. For those who are interested I thought I’d share a brief summary of its history.
Opinion
Listening, Reflecting, and Serving Fairfax City: My Vote on the George Snyder Trail Project – Perspective from City of Fairfax Council Member Rachel McQuillen
I know the decision to cancel the George Snyder Trail project has stirred strong feelings, and I want to share why I voted as I did. My decision was guided by a careful review of the project’s full history, extensive public outreach, and consideration of long-term impacts. Throughout the process, concerns from residents, particularly those living closest to the site, remained unresolved. Public feedback was overwhelmingly opposed to the project.
Latest
Our Libraries Need Our Voices and Support
One-time infusions of money are no longer sufficient. To bring FCPL’s collection budget in line with comparable library systems, FCPL is requesting an increase of $8–$11 million over the next five years to permanently raise the base budget. This investment would benefit students, job seekers, families, seniors, and lifelong learners throughout Fairfax County.
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Trees Over Tarmac: Why Fairfax City Council Made the Right Call
The City Council recently made a tough, controversial decision to stop funding the George Snyder Trail. While some people see this as a step backward for recreation, I see it as a win for common sense, fiscal responsibility, and the environment.
Bots Corrupt Oakton Traffic Survey in Support of ATT Redevelopment
OAKTON, VA — A January 8 letter from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), combined with allegations of manipulated survey data and concerns raised by local civic groups, is intensifying scrutiny of the proposed redevelopment of the former AT&T campus at 3033 Chain Bridge Road. While the VDOT letter does not directly address the survey, some residents believe its findings may have heightened pressure around the project and contributed to efforts to demonstrate community support for the proposed “Rosehaven Solution.”
Sometimes the Good Guys Win
It was a cold and blustery day on January 13, 2024. A small crowd had gathered at the picnic pavilion at Manassas Battlefield, the same meadow where — 162 years earlier – John Hood’s Texans had collided with the Army of the Potomac in one of the most violent moments in American history.
How a Massive Data Center Proposal Collapsed in Court
For several years, Prince William County sat at the center of one of the most consequential land-use debates in Virginia’s recent history. At stake was the proposed Digital Gateway, a large-scale data center project planned near Manassas National Battlefield Park that would have included dozens of buildings spread across more than 2,000 acres.
Old Glory DC to Officially Open George Mason Stadium with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
Organized by the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce, the ribbon cutting ceremony will take place on April 26 from 6:15 - 7:00 pm at George Mason Stadium, 4400 University Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
Virginia Redistricting: Bipartisan Reform Meets Mid-Decade Referendum Controversy
Richmond, VA - Governor Abigail Spanberger added an emergency clause to the amendment, signed on February 6, 2026, making it effective immediately rather than waiting for the usual July 1 start date. This means the amendment is now officially in effect, though legal challenges may continue.
Fairfax Students Share Vision for Northfax and Courthouse Plaza Development
City of Fairfax, VA - At the March 9 City of Fairfax Planning Commission meeting, a group of creative and ambitious students from Katherine Johnson Middle School stepped forward to share their ideas for the future of two key areas in the city: Northfax and Courthouse Plaza. Their presentation, which was part of a public meeting, gave young residents a rare opportunity to speak directly to city planners, local officials, and community members about how they want their city to evolve.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT for APRIL 2026 SPECIAL ELECTION IN CONTEXT
Last July, President Donald Trump ordered Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) to redistrict his state in the middle of the decade in order to carve out an additional five Republican-leaning congressional districts, which would bolster the party's odds of keeping control of the U. S. House of Representatives following the 2026 midterm elections. President Trump's demands for such gerrymandering correlate with his record low approval ratine and rising unpopularity of his signature legislation, the One Big Beautiful Bil.
Rise, Rejoice, and Renew: An Easter Celebration of New Beginnings
Families across Northern Virginia prepare for Easter, a significant Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The date, which falls between March 22 and April 25, is set for April 5 this year, marking a time of renewal and gathering.
Catherine S. Read’s Legacy As First Woman Mayor Of The City of Fairfax
Catherine S. Read was first elected Mayor of the City of Fairfax in November 2022. She was sworn in on January 1, 2023, becoming the first woman mayor in the city's history. She was subsequently reelected in 2024. Her election marked both a personal achievement and a symbolic step forward for women in public leadership across Northern Virginia. A reflection on her career tells the story of a woman who worked tirelessly for her neighbors and her values.
Virginia – The Mother of Aviation
Susan Catherine (Koerner) Wright was born on April 30, 1831 in Hillsboro, Virginia and died on July 4, 1889 in Dayton, Ohio. Although she was not alive to watch her children change the world forever with their flight on the 17th of December 1903, she was fundamental in their achievements.
Kickoff Excitement: 2026 NWSL Season
Soccer fans in Northern Virginia have plenty to cheer about this spring, as the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) kicks off its 2026 season on March 13. The league, home to some of the world’s best female soccer talent, promises fast-paced action, intense rivalries, and plenty of opportunities for local fans to catch games in person or online.